The Taedonggang Reagent Company, also known as the November 19th Research Institute, produces vaccines, diagnostic tests and equipment such as electronic microscopes, tests for hepatitis B (passive hemagglutination and reverse-passive hemagglutination), as well as test kits for hepatitis B surface antigens and albumin. These devices have been advertised by North Korean business entities for sale abroad. It is unclear if the firm is still subordinate to the Railway Ministry, the Academy of Medical Sciences, or a combination of both in the form of a restructured enterprise. Furthermore, any connections to the North Korean BW program are unclear. Ko Chin Nam has directed this organization, which is also known as the November 19th Research Institute, since at least 1993.

In cooperation with personnel from Kim Il Sung University, the Taedonggang Reagent Company successfully manufactured an electronic microscope (EM) in 1999. According to the Korean Central News Agency, the EM project was completed in six months.

According to the Kwahagwon T'ongbo (Academy of Sciences Report), North Korean scientists have used EMs to analyze the Newcastle disease virus, a virulent pathogen in chickens.

According to North Korean media, Ko Chin Nam is the president of the Taedonggang Reagent Company, and the director of the November 19th Research Institute. Ko was born in Japan and his family had ties to Choch'ongnyŏn, the (pro-North Korean) General Association of Korean Residents in Japan. After departing for North Korea at the age of 15, Ko studied at a middle school and later joined the Korean People's Army and joined the Korean Workers Party. After completing his military service, Ko studied at the Academy of Medical Sciences and was apparently was awarded a doctoral degree in the biological sciences.

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This material is produced independently for NTI by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, or agents. Copyright 2018.